Those Who Refuse the Mark of the Beast
"Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Rev. 14:12). They "had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark." (Rev. 20:4)
They remain faithful to God despite persecution.
Economic hardship: "No man might buy or sell..." (Rev. 13:17). Threat of death: "As many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed." (Rev. 13:15).
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord..." (Rev. 14:13). They stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1). They sing "a new song" before God's throne (Rev. 14:3). They follow the Lamb "whithersoever he goeth." (Rev. 14:4). They reign with Christ (Rev. 20:4).
Those Who Receive the Mark of the Beast
"He causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark..." (Rev. 13:16). They also "worship the beast and his image." (Rev. 14:9; 13:12)
Able to buy and sell: "No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark..." (Rev. 13:17). They avoid the death decree for a time.
"The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God..." (Rev. 14:10). "He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone..." (Rev. 14:10). "They have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image." (Rev. 14:11). They receive "the seven last plagues" (Rev. 16:2). They are ultimately destroyed in the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20; 20:15).
Revelation 14 deliberately places two groups side by side:
Eternal
Receive the Mark: Face God's wrath, the seven last plagues, and final destruction.
Refuse the Mark: Receive God's approval, stand with the Lamb, are blessed, and inherit eternal life with Christ.
Temporary
Receive the Mark: Can buy and sell; avoid persecution for a time.
Drink God's wrath (14:10)
Refuse the Mark: Cannot buy or sell; face persecution and even death.
Followers of the Beast
Worship the beast (14:9)
Receive the mark (14:9)
Drink God's wrath (14:10)
No rest day nor night (14:11)
Face final judgment
Followers of the Lamb
Follow the Lamb (14:4)
Have the Father's name in their foreheads (14:1)
Keep the commandments of God (14:12)
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord (14:13)
Stand with Christ on Mount Zion (14:1)